Damiana is a shrub with the scientific name Turnera diffusa. It is native to Texas, Mexico, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The damiana plant is used in traditional Mexican medicine.
Damiana contains various components (parts) or compounds (chemicals) such as arbutin, abietin, acacetin, apigenin, 7-glucoside and Z-pineolin. These substances can determine the functioning of the plant.
This article examines Damiana and the evidence for its use. It also provides information about dosage, possible side effects and interactions.
In the United States, dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs, meaning that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not certify a product’s safety and effectiveness before it goes on the market. Whenever possible, choose supplements that have been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF.
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, this does not mean they are necessarily safe for everyone or generally effective. Therefore, it is important to discuss any supplements you plan to take with your doctor and check for potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Supplement use should be individualized and reviewed by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), pharmacist, or health care provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Tenera species have been used for centuries as medicinal plants in a variety of situations. These uses include, but are not limited to:
Tenera species are also used as an abortifacient, expectorant (cough suppressant that removes phlegm), and as a laxative.
Damiana (Tunera diffusa) is promoted as an aphrodisiac. This means that Damiana can increase libido (libido) and performance.
However, it is important to remember that supplements advertised to enhance sexual performance may carry a high risk of infection. Additionally, research on Damiana’s effects on sexual desire has primarily been conducted on rats and mice, with limited studies on humans, making Damiana’s effects unclear. The effects of damiana when people take it in combination with other ingredients are unknown. The aphrodisiac effect may be due to the high content of flavonoids in the plant. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that are thought to influence sex hormone function.
Additionally, better human studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn about its effectiveness against any disease.
However, these studies used combination products (damiana, yerba mate, guarana) and inulin (plant dietary fiber). It is unknown whether Damiana alone produces these effects.
A severe allergic reaction is also a possible serious side effect of any medicine. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, itching and rash. If you experience any of these side effects, get medical help right away.
Before taking a supplement, always consult with your healthcare professional to ensure the supplement and dosage meet your individual needs.
Although there are some small studies on damiana, larger and better designed studies are needed. Therefore, there are no recommendations for the appropriate dosage for any condition.
If you want to try Damiana, talk to your doctor first. and follow their recommendations or label directions.
There is little information about the toxicity and overdose of damiana in humans. However, higher doses of 200 grams may cause seizures. You may also experience symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning.
If you think you have overdosed or have life-threatening symptoms, get medical help right away.
Because damiana or its components may lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, this herb may enhance the effects of diabetes medications such as insulin. If your blood sugar levels are too low, you may experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue and sweating. Therefore, caution is necessary when taking damiana.
It is important to carefully read the ingredient list and nutritional information for a supplement to understand what ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is present. Please review this supplement label with your doctor to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Because storage instructions may vary for different herbal products, read the package and package label instructions carefully. But in general, keep medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, preferably in a locked cabinet or closet. Try to store medications in a cool, dry place.
Throw away after one year or according to package directions. Do not flush unused or expired medications down the drain or toilet. Visit the FDA website to learn where and how to throw away all unused and expired medications. You can also find recycling bins in your area. If you have any questions about how best to discard your medications or supplements, talk to your doctor.
Damiana is a plant that can suppress appetite and increase libido. Yohimbine is another herb that some people use to achieve the same potential effects.
As with damiana, there is limited research supporting the use of yohimbine for weight loss or libido enhancement. Yohimbine is also generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children. Also be aware that supplements marketed as sex enhancers may carry a high risk of infection.
But unlike damiana, there is more information about yohimbine’s potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, yohimbine is associated with the following side effects:
Yohimbine may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants such as phenelzine (Nardil).
Before taking herbal remedies such as damiana, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, natural medicines, and supplements. This helps prevent possible interactions and side effects. Your doctor can also make sure you are giving Damiana at the appropriate dose for a fair trial.
Damiana is a natural wild shrub. In the US it is approved for use as a food flavoring.
Damiana is sold in many forms, including tablets (such as capsules and tablets). If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, Damiana is also available in the following dosage forms:
Damiana can usually be found in health food stores and stores that specialize in nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. Damiana can also be found in herbal combination products to suppress appetite or increase libido. (Be aware that supplements advertised to improve sexual performance may carry a high risk of infection.)
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. Always look for supplements that have been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.
Third party testing does not guarantee effectiveness or safety. This lets you know that the ingredients listed on the label are actually in the product.
Turnera species are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Damiana (Tunera diffusa) is a wild shrub with a long history of use as a medicinal plant. For example, people may use it to lose weight or increase libido (libido). However, research supporting its use for these purposes is limited.
In human studies, damiana has always been combined with other herbs, so the effects of damiana on its own are unknown. Additionally, it’s important to know that supplements advertised for weight loss or increased sexual performance often carry a high risk of infection.
Taking large doses of damiana may be harmful. Children, diabetic patients, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking it.
Before taking Damiana, talk with your pharmacist or health care professional to help you safely achieve your health goals.
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Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS Ross is a Verywell staff writer with years of experience practicing pharmacy in a variety of settings. She is also a Certified Clinical Pharmacist and the founder of Off Script Consults.